Heavy Duty Balanced Opposed Compressors

FOR MODELS: JG AND JGA SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE
released, there should be no continuous stream of bubbles coming from the
pressurized case.
5 Cases which fail this testing procedure are to be disassembled, inspected,
repaired, re-assembled and re-tested. Packing cases may be bolted into place
in a cylinder head to aid sealing, using proper bolting and tightening torques.
All cylinders with water-cooled packing must be connected to a circulating water cooling system
that will provide the required flow, pressure drop, inlet temperature and heat rejection,
unless prior approval is obtained from Ariel to leave it unconnected.
Ethylene Glycol Contamination
Ethylene glycol contamination of a compressor can result from water-cooled compressor rod
packing or oil cooler.
Ethylene glycol anti-freeze coolant mixture leaking into the compressor frame crankcase oil
can cause crankshaft seizure due to lack of adequate lubrication. Crankcase oil should be
changed as recommended in “Recommended Maintenance Intervals” on Page 6-1 Also,
crankcase oil should be routinely sampled and analyzed by a qualified laboratory to verify
suitability for continued use, including checking for ethylene glycol contamination.
Even small quantities of ethylene glycol in the oil can be detrimental. If contamination is less
than 5%, drain oil, replace filters and flush oil system with a 50-50 mixture of butoxyethanol
(Dow Chemical Company Dowanol EB or equivalent) and 10W oil using a motor driven
pump. Flushing should be done on a warm compressor. Bearings should be continuously
flushed for 1/2 hour while barring over compressor. All surfaces that come in contact with
crankcase oil are to be flushed, including spraying all interior surfaces in the crankcase.
Completely drain cleaning mixture, being sure to drain all components of the oil system.
Repeat flushing operation using a 60/40 mixture of 10W oil and kerosene or fuel oil. Completely
drain the system, install new filters and fill the crankcase with proper oil. The source
of the coolant leak must be found and repaired.
If sampling indicates ethylene glycol contamination greater than 5% or if the compressor has
seized due to contamination, the unit must be disassembled, cleaned with 100% butoxyethanol,
flushed with kerosene or fuel oil and repaired as required. All surfaces that come in
contact with crankcase oil must be cleaned with butoxyethanol, including all passages and
piping, and then flushed with kerosene or fuel oil. Oil and filters must be changed. The
source of the coolant leak must be found and repaired.
Butoxyethanol presents health and safety hazards. Use proper eye and shin protection and
adequate ventilation. Do not use near open flame or sparks. See manufacturer’s Material
Safety Data Sheet for complete details.
Ethylene glycol, butoxyethanol, contaminated oils and solvents must be properly disposed.
A qualified chemical disposal service should be used.
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